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Bariatric surgery complications carry a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of bariatric surgery complications, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. Bariatric surgeries include restrictive procedures (e.g., adjustable gastric banding, endoscopic gastric balloon insertion, and sleeve gastrectomy) and mixed restrictive and malabsorptive procedures (e.g., roux-en-y gastric bypass and duodenal switch-biliopancreatic diversion). Several complications may occur, which may be associated with severe morbidity and mortality. These complications include anastomotic/staple line leaks, small bowel obstruction and internal hernia, marginal ulceration, biliary disease, and device-specific issues. History concerning the type of surgery, when and where it was performed, prior complications, changes in weight, and systemic symptoms is essential. Many signs and symptoms are subtle, but fever, tachycardia, and persistent vomiting are concerning for a severe complication. If there is concern for a complication, emergent consultation with the bariatric surgeon is recommended (preferably the patient's surgeon). Imaging studies can assist in the evaluation, including computed tomography with oral and intravenous contrast. Resuscitation in the ED and early intervention by a bariatric surgeon provide the best opportunity to reduce morbidity and mortality for patients with intra-abdominal pathology. Understanding bariatric surgery complications can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is the most effective management for patients with obesity and weight-related medical conditions. Duodenal switch (DS) is a recent MBS procedure with increasing attention in recent years, however the risk of anastomotic or staple line leaks and the lack of efficient surgical expertise hinders the procedure from becoming fully adopted. To determine the 30-day predictors of leaks following DS and explore their association with other 30-day postoperative complications. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. Patients who underwent a primary biliopancreatic diversion with DS or single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy with sleeve procedure, categorized as DS, were assessed for 30-day leaks. A multivariable logistic regression was constructed to identify the predictors of leaks. The assessment of postoperative complications arising from leaks was also performed. A total of 21,839 DS patients were included, of which 177 (.8%) experienced leaks within 30 postoperative days. The most significant predictor of leaks was steroid immunosuppressive use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.56–5.13], P <.001) and age, with each decade of life associated with a 26% increase in risk (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.09–1.45], P =.001). Operative length was also associated with leaks, with every additional 30 minutes increasing the odds of a leak by 23% (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.18–1.29], P <.001). The occurrence of leaks was correlated with postoperative septic shock (Crude Odds Ratio [COR] = 280.99 [152.60–517.39]) and unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (COR = 79.04 [56.99–109.59]). Additionally, mortality rates increased 17-fold with the incidence of leaks (COR = 17.64 [7.41–41.99]). Leaks following DS are a serious postoperative complication with significant risk factors of steroid use, prolonged operative time and advanced age. Leaks are also associated with other severe complications, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention along with additional studies to further validate our results. • A total of 21,839 duodenal switch patients were obtained from the MBSAQIP database. • The incidence of 30-day leaks was.8%. • Predictors of leaks included chronic steroid use and prolonged operative time. • Leaks were correlated with increased complications such as renal failure and sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anastomotic leak (AL) in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery continues to be a diagnostic challenge. We seek to identify clinical parameters that predict AL and examine the effectiveness of investigations in evaluating AL following UGI surgeries. 592 patients underwent UGI surgeries with an anastomosis between January 2011 and January 2021. Data on patient characteristics, surgery, postoperative investigations and outcomes were prospectively collected and analysed. The overall occurrence of AL was 6.4 %. Tachycardia >120 BPM (OR 6.959, 95 % CI 1.856–26.100, p = 0.004) and leukocyte count >19 × 109/L (OR 3.327, 95 % CI 1.009–10.967, p = 0.048) were independent predictors of AL. On multivariate analysis, patients whose anastomosis was deemed high risk and had pre-emptive investigation done postoperatively to exclude a leak were less likely to require intervention and were more likely to be managed conservatively (66.7 % vs 14.3 %, p = 0.025). Methylene blue test, oral contrast study and Computed Tomography scan with intravenous and oral contrast had 50.0 %, 20.0 % and 9.1 % false negative results, while esophagogastroduodenoscopy had none. There was no misdiagnosed AL when more than 1 investigation (n = 15, 39.5 %) were performed. Our study demonstrates that the presence of a triad including desaturation, tachycardia and leucocytosis predicts for AL following UGI surgery and for confirmation of a leak, evaluation with 2 or more investigation is needed. A practice of evaluating high risk anastomosis prior to commencement of feeding decreased the need for surgical intervention and improves success of conservative treatment. • Anastomotic leak (AL) in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery is a diagnostic challenge. • Tachycardia and elevated Leukocyte count were independent predictors of AL. • Triad of desaturation, tachycardia and leukocytosis predicts leaks after UGI surgery. • Pre-emptive investigations for high-risk anastomosis reduce the need for intervention. • Using 2 modalities reduces the risk of misdiagnosed AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We compared the clinical outcomes between endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) and conventional treatment (CT) for the management of post-esophagectomy anastomotic leakage. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent esophagectomy with esophagogastrostomy from November 2003 to August 2021 was conducted. Thirty-four patients who developed anastomotic leakage were analyzed according to whether they underwent CT (n = 13) or EVT (n = 21). Results: The median time to complete healing was significantly shorter in the EVT group than in the CT group (16 [4–142] days vs. 70 [8–604] days; p = 0.011). The rate of clinical success was higher in the EVT group (90.5%) than in the CT group (66.7%, p = 0.159). A subgroup analysis showed more favorable outcomes for EVT in patients with thoracic leakage, including a higher clinical success rate (p = 0.037), more rapid complete healing (p = 0.004), and shorter hospital stays (p = 0.006). However, the results were not significantly different in patients with cervical leakage. Anastomotic strictures occurred in 3 EVT patients (14.3%) and 5 CT patients (50.0%) (p = 0.044), and the EVT group showed a trend towards improved freedom from anastomotic strictures (p = 0.105). Conclusions: EVT could be considered as an adequate treatment option for post-esophagectomy anastomotic leakage. EVT might have better clinical outcomes compared to CT for managing anastomotic leakage after transthoracic esophagogastrostomy, and further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of EVT in patients who undergo cervical esophagogastrostomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) is an accepted approach for distal esophageal (DE) and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers. Its reported weaknesses are limited loco-regional resection and high anastomotic leak rates. We have used laparoscopic assistance to perform a THE (LapTHE) as our preferred method of resection for GEJ and DE cancers for over 20 years. Our unique approach and experience may provide technical insights and perhaps superior outcomes. Methods: We reviewed all patients who underwent LapTHE for DE and GEJ malignancy over 10 years (2011–2020). We included 6 principles in our approach: (1) minimize dissection trauma using laparoscopy; (2) routine Kocher maneuver; (3) division of lesser sac adhesions exposing the entire gastroepiploic arcade; (4) gaining excess conduit mobility, allowing resection of proximal stomach, and performing the anastomosis with a well perfused stomach; (5) stapled side-to-side anastomosis; and (6) routine feeding jejunostomy and early oral diet. Results: One hundred and forty-seven patients were included in the analysis. The median number of lymph nodes procured was 19 (range 5–49). Negative margins were achieved in all cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 98–100%). Median hospital stay was 7 days. Overall major complication rate was 24% (17–32%), 90-day mortality was 2.0% (0.4–5.8%), and reoperation was 5.4% (2.4–10%). Three patients (2.0%, 0.4–5.8%) developed anastomotic leaks. Median follow-up was 901 days (range 52–5240). Nine patients (6.1%, 2.8–11%) developed anastomotic strictures. Conclusions: Routine use of LapTHE for DE and GEJ cancers and inclusion of these six operative principles allow for a low rate of anastomotic complications relative to national benchmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unclear how early- and delayed-onset organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) affect the long-term prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer, who are potential candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the association between the timing of SSI onset and clinical outcome. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study evaluated patients who were diagnosed with high-risk stage II or III colorectal cancer and underwent elective surgery between 2010 and 2020. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was the primary endpoint and was compared between early SSI, delayed SSI (divided based on the median date of SSI onset), and non-SSI groups. Results: A total of 2,065 patients were included. Organ/space SSI was diagnosed in 91 patients (4.4%), with a median onset of 6 days after surgery. The early-onset SSI group had a higher proportion of patients with Clavien–Dindo grade ≥IIIb SSI than the delayed-onset SSI. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) had earlier organ/space SSI onset than those who did not. The adjusted hazard ratio of 5-year RFS in the delayed-onset SSI was 2.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.43–4.65; p = 0.002): higher than that in the early-onset SSI, with the non-SSI as the reference. Conclusions: Delayed-onset organ/space SSI worsened long-term prognosis compared to early-onset, and this may be due to delayed initiation of AC. Patients who are clinically suspected of having lymph node metastasis might need additional intervention to prevent delays in commencing AC due to the delayed SSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study that examines the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on postoperative day 3 as a predictor of anastomotic leak (AL) in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The study finds that patients without AL had a decrease in CRP levels on day 3, while those with AL had consistently high CRP levels on days 4-5. The study suggests that a CRP cutoff value of <182 mg/L on day 3 could be used to identify patients who can be discharged early. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as a small sample size and potential bias towards the usefulness of CRP. [Extracted from the article]

Leak is a feared complication of bariatric surgeries. Time to presentation is important in their management. We used the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) to evaluate the rate and timing of leaks. To determine when leaks present after bariatric surgery. MBSAQIP database. The MBSAQIP Participant Use Files (PUF) for the years 2015–2020 were evaluated. Outcomes of interest were "organ space infection" and "leak." We evaluated the time to presentation for these variables as well as patient characteristics, operative time, complication rates and 30-day outcomes. There were 370,369 sleeve gastrectomies (SG) and 159,280 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGB). We identified 598 (.16%) SG leaks with an average time to presentation of 13.2 ± 7.8 days. For RYGB, there were 520 leaks (.32%) with an average time to presentation of 9.5 ± 7.4 days. Both procedures had longer operative times for the patients with leak; RYGB was 115 minutes versus 131 minutes and SG was 67 minutes versus 77 minutes (both P <.01). SG and RYGB patients with a leak had a higher relative risk (RR) of grade 4 and 5 Clavien-Dindo complication rates. RR of mortality rates in SG patients with leak was 35.2 (confidence interval (CI): 20–61) and in RYGB with leak was 31.4 (CI: 19–50). The length of time for SG leak presentation was more delayed than RYGB leak presentation. Surgeons should be vigilant for leaks for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Leaks increase the mortality rate and overall serious complications. • The average time to leak for RYGB is 9.5 days and 13 days for SG. • Post-operative leak is correlated with high mortality after SG and RYGB. • Surgeons should be vigilant for up to 2 weeks after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric (anastomotic or staple-line) leaks after bariatric surgery are rare but potentially life-threatening complications. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has evolved as the most promising treatment strategy for leaks associated with upper gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of our gastric leak management protocol in all bariatric patients over a 10-year period. Special emphasis was placed on EVT treatment and its outcome as a primary treatment or as a secondary treatment when other approaches failed. This study was performed at a tertiary clinic and certified center of reference for bariatric surgery. In this retrospective single-center cohort study, clinical outcomes of all consecutive patients after bariatric surgery from 2012 to 2021 are reported, with special emphasis placed on gastric leak treatment. The primary endpoint was successful leak closure. Secondary endpoints were overall complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) and length of stay. A total of 1046 patients underwent primary or revisional bariatric surgery, of whom 10 (1.0%) developed a postoperative gastric leak. Additionally, 7 patients were transferred for leak management after external bariatric surgery. Of these, 9 patients underwent primary and 8 patients underwent secondary EVT after futile surgical or endoscopic leak management. The efficacy of EVT was 100%, and there were no deaths. Complications did not differ between primary EVT and secondary treatment of leaks. Length of treatment was 17 days for primary EVT versus 61 days for secondary EVT (P =.015). EVT for gastric leaks after bariatric surgery led to rapid source control with a 100% success rate both as primary and secondary treatment. Early detection and primary EVT shortened treatment time and length of stay. This study underlines the potential of EVT as a first-line treatment strategy for gastric leaks after bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Morbid obesity is becoming more prevalent and is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer. Esophagectomy in this population is technically more challenging than the non-obese, thus increasing the risks of surgery. This study hypothesizes that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher anastomotic leak rates after esophagectomy. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Targeted Esophagectomy database from 2016 to 2019. Patients were stratified by BMI < 35 versus BMI > 35, with the primary outcome being leak post-esophagectomy. Univariate analyses were performed for demographics and post-operative outcomes, and multivariate analyses were performed specifically for the primary outcome of anastomotic leak (all diagnoses and malignancy/dysplasia subgroup). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Results: Of 4165 patients, 439 (10.5%) had a BMI > 35. Patients with BMI > 35 were often younger (mean age 60 vs 64 years, p < 0.001), White (p < 0.001), female (p < 0.001), non-smoker (p < 0.001), diabetic (p < 0.001), with hypertension (p < 0.001), and ASA ≥ 3 (p < 0.001). There were no differences between BMI groups with regard to indication for esophagectomy (malignancy/dysphasia vs other), conversion to open, mortality, or length of stay. The BMI > 35 cohort reported higher operative times (p < 0.001), open operative approach (p = 0.04), superficial surgical site infection (p < 0.001), return to operating room (p = 0.01), and leak (13.5% vs 10.1%, p = 0.01). BMI > 35 was not an independent predictor of leak for all diagnoses; however, the subgroup analysis of esophagectomy for malignancy/dysplasia demonstrated that BMI > 35 was predictive of leak (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05–1.91), as well as operative time and hypertension. Conclusion: Patients with a BMI > 35 and who undergo esophagectomy have a higher rate of anastomotic leak. BMI > 35 was also an independent predictor of leak when esophagectomy was performed for malignancy/dysplasia, but not for all diagnoses. The risk of anastomotic leak should be considered in morbidly obese patients undergoing esophagectomy, particularly for malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophagectomy is a complex oncologic surgery that results in lower perioperative morbidity and mortality when performed in high-volume hospitals by experienced surgeons; however, limited data exists evaluating the importance of neoadjuvant radiotherapy delivery at high- versus low-volume centers. We sought to compare postoperative toxicity among patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy delivered at an academic medical center (AMC) versus community medical centers (CMC). Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Associations between patient factors and treatment-related toxicities were calculated in univariate (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA). Results: One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients were identified: 89 CMC and 58 AMC. Median follow-up was 30 months (0.33–124 months). Most patients were male (86%) with adenocarcinoma (90%) located in the distal esophagus or GEJ (95%). Median radiation dose was 50.4 Gy between groups. Radiotherapy at CMCs resulted in higher rates of re-operation after esophagectomy (18% vs 7%, p = 0.055) and increased rates of anastomotic leak (38% vs 17%, p < 0.01). On MVA, radiation at a CMC remained predictive of anastomotic leak (OR 6.13, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Esophageal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy had higher rates of anastomotic leaks when radiotherapy was completed at a community medical center versus academic medical center. Explanations for these differences are uncertain but further exploratory analyses regarding dosimetry and radiation field size are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although advances in treatment have improved sphincter-preservation rates in rectal cancer, the incidence of benign anastomotic strictures has also increased. This retrospective single-institution study sought to determine the incidence of benign anastomotic strictures and the factors associated with their successful resolution following treatment. From January 2010 to December 2019, consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic dilatation and/or surgery for benign anastomotic strictures developing after radical sphincter-sparing resections for rectal cancer were evaluated. To model the relationship between outcomes and potential independent variables, sequential univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression. Of 2069 rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery, benign anastomotic strictures were identified in 110 (5.3%). Mean age was 48.2 ± 13.98 years; 73.6% were male. Distal tumor-extent was within 6 cm of the anal verge in 60%; 80.9% patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Surgical approach in 71.8% was open, 74.5% being anterior or low anterior resections and 70.9% of anastomoses stapled. Covering stoma was performed in 91.8%. On follow-up, strictures of median length 4 cm were identified at median 3 cm from the anal verge. Endoscopic dilatation was offered in 89.1%, whereas 9.1% required redo-surgery. Overall, 49.1% experienced sustained stricture-resolution with dilatation and 45.4% required re-intervention. At last follow-up, 72.7% were stoma-free. On multivariate analysis, good performance status, absence of anastomotic leak, and short-segment strictures predicted successful stricture-resolution. Endoscopic dilatation is an effective first-line therapy, with redo anastomosis used to salvage those failing conservative measures. Adverse performance status, anastomotic leak and greater stricture length may predict detrimental outcomes in terms of stricture resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains unclear what is the ideal conduit shape. The aim of this study was to evaluate association between specific gastric conduit morphology, considering width and length, with its perfusion and the incidence of anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent an esophagectomy with cervical esophagogastric anastomosis between 2015 and 2021 were evaluated. Indocyanine green angiography was performed to evaluate gastric conduit perfusion, and ingress index (arterial inflow) and ingress time (venous outflow) were measured. The conduit width at the middle of the conduit and the short gastric length as the length from the last gastroepiploic branch to the perfusion assessment point were measured. Propensity score matching was performed to compare wide conduits with narrow conduits. Narrow and wide conduits were defined as < 4 and ≥ 5 cm, respectively. Results: Three hundred fifty-eight patients were reviewed. After applying matching, the wide conduits had higher ingress index (48.2 vs 33.3%, p < 0.001) and shorter ingress time (51.2 vs 66.3 s, p = 0.004) compared to the narrow conduits. Including the short gastric length in analysis, creating a wide conduit is a significant factor for better ingress index (p = 0.001), especially when the perfusion assessment point is 5 cm or farther from the last gastroepiploic branch. Anastomotic leaks did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Conduit width is a significant factor of gastric conduit perfusion, especially when the estimated anastomotic site was > 5 cm from the last gastroepiploic branch. Wide conduits seem to have better perfusion and creating a wider conduit might reduce anastomotic leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) is one option for restoring bowel continuity in patients who have undergone subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC). This systematic review aims to assess short- and long-term outcomes after IRA for UC, including anastomotic leak rates, IRA failure (as defined by conversion to pouch or end stoma), cancer risk in the rectal remnant, and quality of life (QoL) post-IRA surgery. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist was used to demonstrate the search strategy. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar from 1946 to August 2022 was undertaken. This systematic review included 20 studies, representing 2538 patients who underwent IRA for UC. The mean age ranged from 25 to 36 years and the mean postoperative follow-up ranged between 7 and 22 years. The overall leak rate reported across 15 studies was 3.9 % (n = 35/907) ranging from 0 % to 16.7 %. The failure of IRA (requiring conversion to pouch or end stoma) as reported across 18 of the studies was 20.4 % (n = 498/2447). The risk of developing cancer in the remaining rectal stump following IRA was reported by 14 studies and was accumulatively 2.4 % (n = 30/1245). Five studies reported on patient QoL using a variety of different instruments and 66.0 % of patients (n = 235/356) reported a "high" QoL score. IRA was associated with a relatively low leak rate and a low risk of colorectal cancer in the rectal remnant. However, it does carry a significant failure rate which invariably requires conversion to an end stoma or the formation of an ileoanal pouch. IRA provided a QoL to most of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) has been used in colorectal surgery to assess anastomotic perfusion and reduce the risks of anastomotic leaks. The main objective of this paper is to review the data on the transanal application of ICG-FA for the intraluminal assessment of colorectal anastomosis. Methods: A literature search was conducted for articles published between 2011 and 2021 using PubMed and Cochrane databases, related to the application of ICG for the intraluminal assessment of colorectal anastomosis. Original scientific manuscripts, review articles, meta-analyses, and case reports were considered eligible. Results: A total of 305 studies have been identified. After abstract screening for duplicates, 285 articles remained. Of those, 271 were not related to the topic of interest, 4 were written in a language other than English, and 4 had incomplete data. Six articles remained for the final analysis. The intraluminal assessment of colorectal anastomosis with ICG-FA is feasible, safe, and may reduce the incidence of leaks. Conclusion: The intraluminal assessment of anastomotic perfusion via ICG-FA may be a promising novel application of ICG technology. More data is needed to support this application further to reduce leak rates after colorectal surgery, and future randomized clinical trials are awaited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Esophagectomy; Transhiatal Esophagectomy; Anastomotic Leak EN Esophagectomy Transhiatal Esophagectomy Anastomotic Leak 398 401 4 03/02/23 20230201 NES 230201 Shankar Logarajah and Shawn Cudworth contributed equally to this work. Anastomotic leak (leak) remains a source of significant morbidity and accounts for approximately 40% of postoperative mortality after esophagectomy.[2] We sought to examine the risk factors associated with the development of leak after transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) at our institution. [Extracted from the article]

Eighty-three (36%) patients had hypovitaminosis C: 42 patients (18%) were deficient in vitamin C, and another 41 patients (18%) had vitamin C depletion. Using plasma vitamin C concentration as a continuous variable, multivariable linear regression (Table 2) demonstrated that age, increased frailty score, presence of pancreatic head tumor/obstructive pancreatitis, and lower serum albumin were significant factors associated with lower vitamin C levels. The critical finding of our study is that hypovitaminosis C was present in 36% of our patients, with 18% having true vitamin C deficiency. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Anastomotic leak (AL) is a feared complication after colorectal surgery. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) have been proposed as early AL indicators. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the CRP and CPT predictive values for early AL diagnosis after colorectal surgery. Methods: Systematic literature search to identify studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of postoperative CRP and CPT for AL. A Bayesian meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model and pooled predictive parameters to determine postoperative CRP and PCT cut-off values at different postoperative days (POD). Results: Twenty-five studies (11,144 patients) were included. The pooled prevalence of AL was 8% (95 CI 7–9%), and the median time to diagnosis was 6.9 days (range 3–10). The derived POD3, POD4 and POD5 CRP cut-off were 15.9 mg/dl, 11.4 mg/dl and 10.9 mg/dl respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was comparable with a pooled area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CIs 0.23–0.85), 0.84 (95% CIs 0.18–0.86) and 0.84 (95% CIs 0.18–0.89) respectively. Negative likelihood ratios (LR−) showed moderate evidence to rule out AL on POD 3 (LR− 0.29), POD4 (LR− 0.24) and POD5 (LR− 0.26). The derived POD3 and POD5 CPT cut-off were 0.75 ng/ml (AUC = 0.84) and 0.9 ng/ml (AUC = 0.92) respectively. The pooled POD5 negative LR (−0.18) showed moderate evidence to rule out AL. Conclusions: In the setting of colorectal surgery, CRP and CPT serum concentrations lower than the derived cut-offs on POD3-POD5, may be useful to rule out AL thus possibly identifying patients at low risk for AL development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term placement of prophylactic drains may result in retrograde infections.Aim: To investigate the association between the timing of drain removal and clinical outcomes.Methods: This retrospective, single-centre cohort study evaluated 110 patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal or hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and developed subsequent organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) between 2016 and 2020. The difference between the culture-positive species of prophylactic drains and direct aspiration was evaluated; whether the prophylactic drains functioned effectively at the time of SSI diagnosis; and whether the empirical antibiotics administered before drainage were effective against all the detected bacteria. Finally, clinical outcomes were compared between early (i.e. cases wherein the prophylactic drain had already been removed or replaced at the time of SSI diagnosis) and late (removal after diagnosis) drain removal.Findings: The prophylactic drains functioned effectively in only 27 (25%) patients at the time of SSI diagnosis. Due to the results of direct aspiration cultures, 43% of patients required antibiotic escalation. The median time to drain removal or first replacement was seven postoperative days. The early removal group included 43 patients (39%). Compared with early removal, late removal resulted in a higher frequency of vancomycin use (7.0% vs 22.4%; P = 0.037).Conclusion: Prolonged prophylactic drain placement is associated with complicated infections requiring vancomycin; therefore, the drains should be removed as soon as possible. Additionally, obtaining the cultures of direct aspiration should be actively considered, as escalation of antimicrobial therapy is often performed based on culture results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• What is currently known about this topic? Concerns have been addressed about a higher risk of anastomotic leak and mediastinitis in neonates operated on for EA/TEF who required non-invasive ventilation after extubation in previous studies, with contrasting results. • What new information is contained in this article? Post-operative non-invasive respiratory support could be safely used in EA/TEF infants without a significant increase in risk of anastomotic leak. This should be considered especially in preterm infants in which a prolonged invasive ventilation contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and therefore it should be carefully shifted to non-invasive ventilation as soon as possible, using low pressures and, if necessary, a mild sedation. Infants affected by Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) may require non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the post-operative period after elective extubation, especially if born preterm. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the role of different ventilation strategies on anastomotic complications, specifically on anastomotic leak (AL). Retrospective single Institution study, including all consecutive neonates affected by EA with or without TEF in a 5-year period study (from 2014 to 2018). Only infants with a primary anastomosis were included in the study. All infants were mechanically ventilated after surgery and electively extubated after 6–7 days. The duration of invasive ventilation was decided on a case-by-case basis after surgery, based on the pre-operative esophageal gap and intraoperative findings. The need for non-invasive ventilation (NCPAP, NIPPV, and HHHFNC) after extubation and extubation failure with the need for mechanical ventilation in the post-operative period were assessed. The primary outcome evaluated was the rate of anastomotic leak. 102 EA/TEF infants were managed in the study period. Sixty-seven underwent primary anastomosis. Of these, 29 (43.3%) were born preterm. Patients who required ventilation (n = 32) had a significantly lower gestational age as well as birthweight (respectively p = 0.007 and p = 0.041). 4/67 patients had an AL after surgical repair, with no statistical differences among post-operative ventilation strategies. We found no significant differences in the rate of anastomotic leak (AL) according to post-operative ventilation strategies in neonates operated on for EA/TEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Procedure-specific complications can have devastating consequences. Machine learning–based tools have the potential to outperform traditional statistical modeling in predicting their risk and guiding decision-making. We sought to develop and compare deep neural network (NN) models, a type of machine learning, to logistic regression (LR) for predicting anastomotic leak after colectomy, bile leak after hepatectomy, and pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Methods: The colectomy, hepatectomy, and PD National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) databases were analyzed. Each dataset was split into training, validation, and testing sets in a 60/20/20 ratio, with fivefold cross-validation. Models were created using NN and LR for each outcome. Models were evaluated primarily with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 197,488 patients were included for colectomy, 25,403 for hepatectomy, and 23,333 for PD. For anastomotic leak, AUROC for NN was 0.676 (95% 0.666–0.687), compared with 0.633 (95% CI 0.620–0.647) for LR. For bile leak, AUROC for NN was 0.750 (95% CI 0.739–0.761), compared with 0.722 (95% CI 0.698–0.746) for LR. For pancreatic fistula, AUROC for NN was 0.746 (95% CI 0.733–0.760), compared with 0.713 (95% CI 0.703–0.723) for LR. Variables related to intra-operative information, such as surgical approach, biliary reconstruction, and pancreatic gland texture were highly important for model predictions. Discussion: Machine learning showed a marginal advantage over traditional statistical techniques in predicting procedure-specific outcomes. However, models that included intra-operative information performed better than those that did not, suggesting that NSQIP procedure-targeted datasets may be strengthened by including relevant intra-operative information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrocolic fistula (GCF) following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is uncommon. Usually it presents late with nonspecific symptoms and originates from the gastrojejunostomy (GJ). Management of such complication can be surgical, but endoscopic management can be implemented in selected patients. To our knowledge this is the first case reporting an early GCF originating from gastric pouch successfully managed with endoscopic stenting. A 54-year-old female, with surgical history of open vertical band gastroplasty (VBG), complaining of weight regain and reflux symptoms. The plan was to laparoscopically convert VBG to RYGB. Two weeks after, she presented unusually with only fatigue and epigastric pain. Leak was suspected and needed to be ruled out. The patient was presenting in an unusual presentation, i.e. vitally stable and only fatigued. Workup including laboratories, computed tomography, and endoscopy confirmed staple line disruption with development of early GCF. Management included endoscopic fully covered stent, total preantral nutrition. With a well-trained team and the availability of expertise, GCF can be managed with endoscopic stents. • Gastrocolic fistula after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the context of bariatric surgery is fairly rare. • Fistula forming at gastrojejunostomy are the most common, presenting as a late complication, with nonspecific symptoms. • Our case is unique in its location, time interval, and how it was successfully managed non surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early extubation following repair of esophageal atresia (EA) is desirable unless the anastomosis is under tension, in which case paralysis and post-operative ventilation may reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. However, complications from emergency reintubations do occur with either strategy. We aim to examine the risk/benefit balance of early and delayed extubation following EA repair. A seven-year retrospective review of all babies that underwent EA repair was performed. Babies extubated within 24 h of surgery were classified as early extubation (EE). Babies intubated beyond the first 24 h were classified as delayed extubation (DE). The EE group was subdivided into babies extubated in operating room (EIOR), and babies who returned to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) intubated but extubated within 24 h (EW24). Forty-six babies were analyzed, and overall 15 (32.6%) required 24 reintubation episodes. Eight (28.6%) babies in the EE group required reintubation. The EIOR group (n = 12) had significantly increased risk of requiring reintubation (OR:7, 95%CI:1.08 to 45.16: p = 0.04) compared to the EW24 group (n = 16). Seven (38.9%) babies in the DE group required reintubation. The complication rate from reintubation after EA repair was 17%. Extubation on the NICU within 24 h of surgery carried the lowest risk of reintubation. For babies with a tight anastomosis, elective postoperative ventilation appeared to confer a protective benefit without incurring a high risk of complications from reintubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transthoracic esophagectomy is associated with high rates of morbidity. Minimally invasive esophagectomy has emerged to decrease such morbidity. The aim of this study was to accurately determine surgical outcomes after totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy (TMIE). A systematic literature search was performed to identify original articles analyzing patients who underwent TMIE. Main outcomes included overall morbidity, major morbidity, pneumonia, arrhythmia, anastomotic leak, chyle leak, and mortality. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall weighted proportion and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each analyzed outcome. A total of 5619 patients were included for analysis; 4781 (85.1%) underwent a laparoscopic/thoracoscopic esophagectomy and 838 (14.9%) a robotic-assisted esophagectomy. Mean age of patients was 63.5 (55–67) years and 75.8% were male. Overall morbidity and major morbidity rates were 39% (95% CI, 33%–45%) and 20% (95% CI, 13%–28%), respectively. Postoperative pneumonia and arrhythmia rates were 10% (95% CI, 8%–13%) and 12% (95% CI, 8%–17%), respectively. Anastomotic leak rate across studies was 8% (95% CI, 6%–10%). Chyle leak rate was 3% (95% CI, 2%–5%). Mortality rate was 2% (95% CI, 2%–2%). Median ICU stay and length of hospital stay were 2 (1–4) and 11.2 (7–20) days, respectively. Totally minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy is a challenging procedure with high morbidity rates. Strategies to enhance postoperative outcomes after this operation are still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anastomotic leaks (AL) are a major source of post-esophagectomy morbidity and patients are often initially asymptomatic. Debate exists on timing and utility of imaging to detect AL post-esophagectomy. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and timing of radiographic AL evaluation in esophageal cancer patients post-esophagectomy.Methods: A retrospective database of esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy at a single institution from 2004 to 2020 was used to determine the utilization, timing, and sensitivity of radiologic testing for AL post-esophagectomy.Results: Seventy-six patients were identified of which 37 (49%) had a cervical anastomosis. Sixty-four (84%) underwent 71 "asymptomatic radiographic leak tests" (ARLT), 7 of which had 2 different tests, including: 41 fluoroscopic esophagrams (58%), 18 CT-esophagrams (25%), and 12 upper GI studies (17%). Seventeen patients (22%) developed clinical signs of AL (hemodynamic instability, leukocytosis) and underwent "symptomatic radiographic leak tests" (SRLT) with fluoroscopic esophagram (n = 9, 12%), CT-esophagram (n = 7, 9%), or upper GI study (n = 1, 1%). ARLT and SRLT were positive in 2/64 (3%) and 17/17 (100%) patients, respectively, for 19 total ALs (25%). Among the 17 SRLT( +) patients, 1 was also ARLT( +), 13 were initially ARLT( -), and 3 were not evaluated by ARLT. The median postoperative day for ARLT and SRLT was 4.0 (IQR 3.0-5.5) and 9.0 days (IQR 6.0-13.0), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of ARLT for detecting AL were 13.3% and 100.0%, respectively.Conclusions: Based on the low ARLT sensitivity, routine use of imaging to detect asymptomatic ALs post-esophagectomy may be limited. Symptomatic ALs were often present in a delayed fashion, even after initial negative imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric conduit has emerged as the preferred treatment option for both esophageal bypass and replacement for corrosive stricture of the esophagus. There is a lack of consensus and a dearth of published literature regarding the short- and long-term complications of using a gastric conduit. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes, morbidity, and complications associated with it. Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (January 1960 to May 2020) were systematically searched for all studies reporting short- and/or long-term outcomes and complications following the use of a gastric conduit for corrosive esophageal stricture. Results: Seven observational studies involving 489 patients (53.2% males, mean age ranging from 22.1 to 41 years) who had ingested a corrosive substance (acid in 74.8%, alkali in 20.7%, and unknown in the rest) were analyzed. Gastric pull-up was performed in 56.03% (274/489) of patients. Median blood loss in the procedure was 187.5 ml with a mean operative duration of 298.75 ± 55.73 min. The overall pooled prevalence rate of anastomotic leak was 14.4% [95% CI (6.2–24.0); p < 0.05, I2 = 67.38], and anastomotic stricture was 27.2% [95% CI (13–42.8); p < 0.001, I2 = 80.11]. Recurrent dysphagia according to pooled prevalence estimates occurred in 14.4% patients [95% CI (5.4–25.1); p < 0.05, I2 = 69.1] and 90-day mortality in 4.8% patients [95% CI (1.5–9.1%); I2 = 31.1, p = 0.202]. The dreaded complication of conduit necrosis had a pooled prevalence of 1.3% [95% CI (0.1–3.4%); I2 = 0, p = 0.734]. Conclusion: The stomach can be safely used as the conduit of choice in corrosive strictures with an acceptable rate of complications, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyogenic hepatic abscess is an uncommon complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) that can develop secondary to an infected hematoma or a staple line leak due to bacterial seeding. Appropriate screening for and management of a pyogenic hepatic abscess are essential in patients with clinical suspicion for complications after LSG. Early diagnosis is essential as pyogenic hepatic abscess can be fatal if not treated early. Only five cases have been reported in the literature so far. We present a case of pyogenic hepatic abscess that occurred two weeks after LSG in a 46-year-old female without immunosuppressive conditions or early postoperative leak. The abscess was diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) and was successfully treated with antibiotics and CT-guided drainage. • Pyogenic hepatic abscess is a rare complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). • Causes of pyogenic hepatic abscess after (LSG) include hematoma or staple line leak, portal pylephlebitis or cryptogenic. • Contrast-enhanced CT has 95% sensitivity in the diagnosis of pyogenic hepatic abscess. • Imaging is essential to rule out staple line leak, assess the extent of disease and offer percutaneous drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

in the literature on rectal cancer (RC) surgery many studies have focused on the quality of total mesorectal excision (TME) dissection, while there is a scarcity of comparative data on transection and anastomosis. No anastomosis has so far proved to be superior to any other. The aim of this study was to compare anastomotic leak (AL) rates between conventional laparoscopic double-stapled (DS), transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) and Transanal Transection and Single-Stapled anastomosis (TTSS) techniques. consecutive mid-low RC patients undergoing elective laparoscopic TME with stapled anastomosis and protective stoma, by either DS, TaTME or TTSS techniques were retrieved from a prospectively collected database. 127 DS; 100 TaTME and 50 TTSS were included. Demographics, distance of the tumor from anal verge and neoadjuvant therapy were comparable. Operative time was longer in TaTME over DS and TTSS (p < 0.0001). More 90-days complications occurred in DS group vs TTSS (p = 0.029). The AL rate was 17.5% in DS, 6% in TaTME and 2% in TTSS group (p = 0.005). AL grade was: one B (2%) in TTSS; 2 grade B (2%) and 4 grade C (4%) in TaTME; 6 grade A (4.7%), 7 grade B (5.5%) and 9 grade C (7.1%) in DS group. Reintervention rate after AL was higher in DS group over TTSS (12.6% vs 2%; p = 0.003). The rate of stoma closure, pathology data and margin positivity did not differ. TTSS strategy is feasible, safe and leads to very low AL rates after TME for RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When an anastomotic leak is discussed at a typical surgical morbidity and mortality conference, it is often presented as a due to an error in surgical technique involving ischemia, tension, or device failure. Here we assert that without direct visual analysis of the leak site and its tissue histology, an ex post facto claim that an anastomotic leak is due to an error in surgical technique remains speculative. Methods: The arguments and rationale used to conclude that an anastomotic leak is due to an error in surgical technique are critically reviewed and assessed for their validity. Results: No case series or literature exists in which a root cause analysis has been carried out with visual and tissue level evidence to determine the root cause(s) of an anastomotic leak. Conclusions: At the individual case level, declaring that an anastomotic leak is due to an error in surgical technique without clear and compelling evidence either visually and/or at the tissue level to substantiate such a claim remains speculative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has become a promising option in the management of anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy. However, EVT is an effortful approach associated with multiple interventions. In this study, we conduct a comparative cost analysis for methods of management of AL.Methods: All patients who experienced AL treated by EVT, stent, or reoperation following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were included. Cases that were managed by more than one modality were excluded. For the remaining cases, in-patient treatment cost was collected for material, personnel, (par)enteral nutrition, intensive care, operating room, and imaging.Results: 42 patients were treated as follows: EVT n = 25, stent n = 13, and reoperation n = 4. The mean duration of therapy as well as length of overall hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent than the EVT group (30 vs. 44d, p = 0.046; 34 vs. 53d, p = 0.02). The total mean cost for stent was €33.685, and the total cost for EVT was €46.136, resulting in a delta increase of 37% for EVT vs. stent cost. 75% (€34.320, EVT), respectively, 80% (€26.900, stent) of total costs were caused by ICU stay. Mean pure costs for endoscopic management were relatively low and comparable between both groups (EVT: €1.900, stent: €1.100, p = 0.28).Conclusion: Management of AL represents an effortful approach that results in high overall costs. The expenses directly related to EVT and stent therapy were however comparatively low with more than 75% of costs being attributable to the ICU stay. Reduction of ICU care should be a central part of cost reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature on rectal anastomosis and diverting ileostomy in patients treated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is limited. This study assesses the safety of rectal anastomoses during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC, with and without fecal diversion, and its morbidity when performed. From January 2012 to January 2020, patients with peritoneal metastases who underwent CRS and HIPEC that required a rectal anastomosis were included in this single-hospital retrospective chart review. 84 patients were included, of which 29 had a diverting loop ileostomy. The rectal anastomotic leak (AL) rate for the series was 8.3%. Factors associated with AL were male gender (p = 0.031) and increased BMI (p < 0.0005). Diverting loop ileostomy was associated with a significant decrease of clinically significant rectal AL (0% vs 12.7%, p = 0.045). However, the 90-day readmission rate was higher in this group (37.9% vs 10.9%, p = 0.003). Stoma reversal surgery was performed for all patients, but 3 patients experienced AL (10.7%). This study suggests that creation of a diverting loop ileostomy may be an effective strategy to prevent symptomatic rectal AL following CRS with HIPEC. However, it is also associated with an increased readmission rate and increased risk of AL following reversal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both anastomotic leak (AL) and conduit necrosis (CN) after oesophagectomy are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the identification of preoperative, modifiable risk factors is desirable. The aim of this study was to generate a risk scoring model for AL and CN after oesophagectomy. Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018–December 2018. Definitions for AL and CN were those set out by the Oesophageal Complications Consensus Group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for both AL and CN. A risk score was then produced for both AL and CN using the derivation set, then internally validated using the validation set. This study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. The AL rate was 14.2% and CN rate was 2.7%. Preoperative factors that were independent predictors of AL were cardiovascular comorbidity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The risk scoring model showed insufficient predictive ability in internal validation (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.618). Preoperative factors that were independent predictors of CN were: body mass index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, previous myocardial infarction and smoking history. These were converted into a risk-scoring model and internally validated using the validation set with an AUROC of 0.775. Despite a large dataset, AL proves difficult to predict using preoperative factors. The risk-scoring model for CN provides an internally validated tool to estimate a patient's risk preoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn's disease, Inflammatory bowel diseases, Ileocolic resection, Stapled anastomosis, Oversewn anastomosis, Anastomotic leak Methods This was a single centre, retrospective cohort study comparing CD patients that received a side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis either with or without oversewing. Does Oversewing Stapled Ileocolic Anastomoses for Crohn's Disease Reduce Anastomotic Complications?. [Extracted from the article]

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a major complication in colorectal surgery. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may affect healing and may cause or prevent AL. Butyrate is a beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is produced as a result of bacterial fermentation of dietary oligosaccharides and has been described as beneficial in the maintenance of colonic health. To assess the impact of oligosaccharides on colonic anastomotic healing in mice, we propose to modulate the microbiota with oligosaccharides to increase butyrate production via enhancement of butyrate-producing bacteria and, consequently, improve anastomotic healing in mice. Animal experiments were conducted in mice that were subjected to diets supplemented with inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) or cellulose, as a control, for two weeks before undergoing a surgical colonic anastomosis. Macroscopic and histological assessment of the anastomosis was performed. Extent of epithelial proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Gelatin zymography was used to evaluate the extent of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) hydrolytic activity. Inulin and GOS diets were associated with increased butyrate production and better anastomotic healing. Histological analysis revealed an enhanced mucosal continuity, and this was associated with an increased re-epithelialization of the wound as determined by increased epithelial proliferation. Collagen concentration in peri-anastomotic tissue was higher with inulin and GOS diets and MMP activity, a marker of collagen degradation, was lower with both oligosaccharides. Inulin and GOS diets were further associated with lower bacterial translocation. Dietary supplementation with inulin and GOS may improve anastomotic healing and reinforce the gut barrier in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No evidence currently exists characterising global outcomes following major cancer surgery, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise impact of high income countries (HIC) versus low and middle income countries (LMIC) on the outcomes following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. This international multi-center prospective study across 137 hospitals in 41 countries included patients who underwent an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with 90-day follow-up. The main explanatory variable was country income, defined according to the World Bank Data classification. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite leaks (anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III - V). Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%). Between April 2018 to December 2018, 2247 patients were included. Patients from HIC were more significantly older, with higher ASA grade, and more advanced tumors. Patients from LMIC had almost three-fold increase in 90-day mortality, compared to HIC (9.4% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality (OR: 2.31, CI 95% : 1.17–4.55, p = 0.015). However, LMIC were not independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (OR: 1.06, CI 95% : 0.57–1.99, p = 0.9) or major complications (OR: 0.85, CI 95% : 0.54–1.32, p = 0.5), compared to HIC. Resections in LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day postoperative mortality, likely reflecting a failure to rescue of these patients following esophagectomy, despite similar composite anastomotic leaks and major complication rates to HIC. These findings warrant further research, to identify potential issues and solutions to improve global outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Techniques to bridge the gap in difficult cases of type "C" esophageal atresia are challenging. The most important objective is to use the native esophagus. It may require multiple stages with morbidities at each stage. When done in a single stage, a primary anastomosis may only be possible under tension and at the cost of compromised vascularity with chances of leak later. • Multiple techniques have been proposed to bridge this gap to enable an anastomosis under minimal tension. But these have their own drawbacks and are often debated. Our method of partially severing the lower esophagus after ligation of fistula followed by anastomosis using a microvascular atraumatic clamp avoids unnecessary traction and judicious tissue handling without violating principles of healing. • This technique is simple and reproducible. It satisfies principles of tissue healing by keeping the trauma at esophageal ends minimum. It enables bridging of relatively longer gaps with outcome comparable to standard methods of esophageal atresia repair. It may be considered a suitable technique in cases where the anastomosis initially looks to be difficult and assures satisfactory outcome. Surgical maneuvers for esophageal anastomosis in difficult cases of Gross type "C" esophageal atresia (EA) are challenging. The methods of early primary anastomosis are technically difficult and staged surgeries expose the child to repeated general anesthesia with problems of nursing care. We describe a simple method of partial disconnection of the lower esophagus from the fistula followed by approximation by an atraumatic microvascular clamp. The suitability of this method and its outcomes are discussed. It was a prospective observational study that included 32 patients of type "C" EA between January 2014 and December 2016. Babies with birth weight more than 2 kg without cyanotic heart defects and requirement of intensive care were included. An early primary anastomosis using this technique was tried in all. A cervical esophagostomy with feeding gastrostomy was done where it was not possible. Analysis of the gap and post operative outcomes i.e. gastroesophageal reflux (GER), stricture, tracheomalacia, dysmotility, recurrence and survival were analyzed. The mean gap between esophageal ends was 4.3 cm. Primary anastomosis was possible in 26 (81.25%). Minor and major leak occurred in 3 (11.54%) and 1 (3.85%) patients respectively. Survival was 84.62% (22/26). All mortalities were early post operative. During mean follow up of 23.73 months (till December 2019), GER decreased from 63.64% (14/22) to 13.64% (3/22), partial stricture was seen in 18.18% (4/22), tracheomalacia in 36.36% (8/22) and dysmotility in 77.27% (17/22). There was no recurrence of fistula. Complications with this method did not show any significant difference as mentioned with other methods. This technique seems to be physiologically suitable as it enables anastomosis with minimal trauma to the esophageal ends. It is easy, reproducible and produces favorable outcomes comparable with other methods for difficult cases of type "C" esophageal atresia (EA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence has shown an association between postoperative ketorolac use and anastomotic leak in patients undergoing intestinal and colorectal operations, but this relationship has been minimally explored after esophagectomy. As the use of nonopioid pain control and enhanced recovery protocols is increasingly prioritized, determination of a possible correlation between perioperative ketorolac use and leak is essential. Records of patients undergoing esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma at a single institution from 2006 to 2018 reviewed for occurrence of anastomotic leak. Institutional pharmacy records were queried for ketorolac administration during the surgical case through the time of discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between ketorolac administration and anastomotic leak. A total of 1019 patients met inclusion criteria, the majority of whom were male (907, 89%) with a median age of 62 years. Patients predominantly presented with locoregionally advanced disease and were treated with initial chemoradiation. Ketorolac was administered to 686 patients (67%); use was observed to increase over the study period from 49% in 2006 to 92% in 2016. Conversely, anastomotic leak occurred in 87 patients (9%) overall and decreased over time from 15% (11/72) in 2006 to 2% (2/83) in 2018. Upon multivariable analysis, neither ketorolac administration evaluated as a categoric variable (odds ratio, 0.99; P =. 958) or as a continuous variable using dose (odds ratio, 1.00; P =. 843) demonstrated an association with anastomotic leak. Ketorolac in the postoperative period after esophagectomy has become an integral component of enhanced recovery pathways and does not appear to be associated with anastomotic leak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biliary fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of early postoperative biliary fistula for developing biliary anastomotic stricture after PD. Methods: Retrospective review of all PD performed for various indications at a single institution between 2013 and 2018. Postoperative biliary fistulae were graded according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) as grade A–C. Multivariable analysis was performed for all comparative patient subgroups. Results: A total of 843 patients underwent PD for malignant (68%) and benign (32%) indications. Postoperative biliary fistula developed in 66 (8%) patients; ISGLS grade A in 29 (3%), grade B in 32 (4%), and grade C in 5 (0.6%). Ninety-day mortality was 3% (25 patients). The remaining 818 patients were evaluated with a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR, 5–32 months). Biliary anastomotic stricture developed in 41 (5%) patients at a median of 10 months (IQR, 6–18 months) postoperatively. Strictures were managed with percutaneous (27 patients, 66%) or endoscopic (14 patients, 34%) stenting. No biliary stricture required operative anastomotic revision. Postoperative biliary fistula (HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.0–9.9; P = 0.0002) was associated with biliary anastomotic stricture; an increased risk for biliary anastomotic stricture was seen in patients with grade A (HR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.4–16.9; P = 0.0002) and grade B (HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2–10.9; P = 0.02) postoperative biliary fistula. Conclusion: Postoperative biliary fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy, including clinically insignificant, transient biliary fistula, is associated with an increased risk of a late biliary anastomotic stricture requiring stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence on the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on anastomotic leak (AL) rate after colorectal surgery is conflicting. Effects of NSAIDs might depend on the underlying disease. This meta-analysis aimed to review the effect of NSAIDs on AL rate in a homogeneous colorectal cancer patient population. A systematic literature search using MEDLINE and EMBASE database was performed for studies with AL as primary outcome comparing NSAID use in the early postoperative phase with no NSAID administration in colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection. Nine studies including 10,868 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority, 7689 patients (70.7%) underwent low anterior resection and 3050 patients (28.1%) underwent colonic resection. The pooled incidence of AL was 8.6% (95%CI 7.0–10.0). Overall AL rate after colorectal cancer surgery was not increased in patients using NSAIDs for postoperative analgesia compared to non-users (p = 0.34, RR 1.23; 95%CI 0.81–1.86). This effect remained non-significant after stratification for low anterior resections (p = 0.07). Stratification for colonic resections could not be performed because AL results for this subgroup were not reported separately. Neither non-selective NSAID use nor COX-2 selective NSAID use caused an increased AL rate (p = 0.19, p = 0.26). The results were robust throughout sensitivity analyses. Use of NSAIDs in cohorts with patients undergoing surgical resection for colorectal cancer does not increase overall AL rate. Since results were robust throughout several subgroup and sensitivity analyses, prescription of NSAIDs after colorectal cancer surgery seems safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Histoplasmose is an unfrequented associated to esophageal carcinoma. • Pulmonary disease may interfere in the outcome after esophagectomy. • Vacuum treatment is a good option after anastomotic leakage. Esophagectomy is a challenging procedure associated with considerable morbidity. Previous pulmonary diseases, such as histoplasmosis fungal infection, may interfere in operative and postoperative outcomes after esophagectomy. Anastomotic leakage is one of the most feared complications after esophagectomy. However, new therapies developed such as vacuum procedure and esophageal prosthesis have been provenly beneficial. We present a case with squamous cell carcinoma of the mid esophagus portion on a young patient with a pulmonary histoplasmosis history. After a multidisciplinary board, the patient underwent transhiatal esophagectomy with gastric-pull up and cervical anastomosis due to pulmonary disease. The patient later developed an anastomotic leak with mediastinal abscess. We describe this complication's management via an endoscopic vacuum system, esophageal prosthesis, and exhibit a video illustrating the technique. We illustrate the management of esophageal cancer associated with previous pulmonary disease. Histoplasmosis may misunderstand the esophageal cancer staging, and it can contribute to anastomotic leakage occurrence. An endoscopic vacuum system is an excellent tool for treating esophagogastric anastomosis fistula after esophagectomy, even when the drainage is accumulated in the mediastinum. The esophageal prosthesis may be used after mediastinal abscess resolution. Treatment of the association of esophageal cancer and histoplasmosis is feasible. However, care should be taken to avoid highly potential postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous work from our group has suggested a pivotal role for collagenolytic bacteria in the development of anastomotic complications. Tumor necrosis factor antagonists are a mainstay of treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The reported impact of these agents on key surgical outcomes such as anastomotic leak has been inconsistent. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of infliximab on the anastomotic microbiome in a mouse model of colon resection.Design: BALB/c mice underwent colon resection with primary anastomosis. Mice were randomly assigned to receive either an intraperitoneal dose of saline (control) or 10 mg/kg of infliximab for 8 weeks prior to surgery. On postoperative day 7, the animals were sacrificed. Anastomotic tissues were analyzed by histology with TUNNEL staining as a marker of epithelial apoptosis. In order to assess compositional and functional changes of the local microbiome, anastomotic tissues were further analyzed by 16S rRNA V4 region sequencing and for the presence of collagenolytic strains that may impair anastomotic healing. The main outcome measures were microbiome community structure and the presence of collagenolytic bacteria.Results: Infliximab-treated mice demonstrated an increase in epithelial apoptosis, consistent with the expected drug effect. Although infliximab modified the perianastomotic microbiome, no increase in the presence of collagenolytic bacteria was observed.Conclusions: Infliximab did not promote the emergence of collagenolytic bacteria or demonstrably impair anastomotic healing in a mouse model of colon resection and anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the rate and effect of anastomotic leak among patients who undergo esophagectomy with either thoracic or cervical anastomosis after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Esophagectomy Data File. We included adult patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (2016-2017) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. We used inverse probability of treatment weighted regression adjustment to compare 30-day anastomotic leak and mortality rates among patients with cervical or thoracic anastomoses. We accounted for confounding due to patient-, surgeon-, and procedure-related variables. Of the 908 patients who met inclusion criteria, 528 (58%) had a thoracic anastomosis and 119 (13%) experienced anastomotic leak. There was no statistically significant difference in leak rate for patients who underwent thoracic (12%) compared with cervical anastomoses (14%) in the inverse probability of treatment weighted regression adjustment analysis (P =.09). Although overall 30-day mortality was low (2.3%), it was significantly higher among patients who had an anastomotic leak (8.4% vs 1.4%; P <.01). Among patients with a leak, there was no significant difference in length of stay, mortality, or type of required intervention for patients with cervical versus thoracic anastomoses. Anastomosis type does not affect leak rates or mortality after esophagectomy in patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Patient risk factors and surgeon experience should determine the ideal surgical approach for each patient. Effect of cervical versus thoracic anastomosis during esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation: an National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study (2016-2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anastomotic complications are among the most devastating consequences of gastrointestinal surgery. Despite its high morbidity, the factors responsible for anastomotic regeneration following surgical construction remain poorly understood. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the typical and atypical factors that have been implicated in anastomotic healing.Methods: A review and analysis of select literature on anastomotic healing was performed.Results: The healing of an anastomotic wound mirrors the phases of cutaneous wound healing- inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The evidence supporting much of the traditional dogma for optimal anastomotic healing (ischemia, tension, nutrition) is sparse. More recent research has implicated atypical factors that influence anastomotic healing, including the microbiome, the mesentery, and geometry. As technology evolves, endoscopic approaches may improve anastomotic healing and in some cases may eliminate the anastomosis altogether.Discussion: Much remains unknown regarding the mechanisms of anastomotic healing, and research should focus on elucidating the dynamics of healing at a molecular level. Doing so may help facilitate the transition from traditional surgical dogma to evidence-based medicine in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: C-reactive protein may predict anastomotic complications after colorectal surgery, but its predictive ability may differ between laparoscopic and open resection due to differences in stress response. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the diagnostic characteristics of C-reactive protein to detect anastomotic leaks and infectious complications after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery.Methods: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA. Studies were included if they reported on the diagnostic characteristics of postoperative day 3-5 values of serum C-reactive protein to diagnose anastomotic leak or infectious complications specifically in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery. The main outcome was a composite of anastomotic leak and infectious complications. A random-effects model was used to perform a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy.Results: A total of 13 studies were included (9 for laparoscopic surgery, 8 for open surgery). The pooled incidence of the composite outcome was 14.8% (95% CI 10.2-19.3) in laparoscopic studies and 21.0% (95% CI 11.9-30.0) for open. The pooled diagnostic accuracy characteristics were similar for open and laparoscopic studies. However, the C-reactive protein threshold cutoffs were lower in laparoscopic studies for postoperative days 3 and 4, but similar on day 5.Conclusions: The diagnostic characteristics of C-reactive protein in the early postoperative period to detect infectious complications and leaks are similar after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery. However, thresholds are lower for laparoscopic surgery, suggesting that the interpretation of serum CRP values needs to be tailored based on operative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent meta-analysis of 3 randomized controlled trials reported reduced incidence and severity of postesophagectomy anastomotic dehiscence with anastomotic omentoplasty. Unfortunately, these trials excluded neoadjuvant patients who received chemoradiation. We aimed to determine whether anastomotic omentoplasty was associated with differential postesophagectomy anastomotic complications after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Data for patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were abstracted (n = 245; 2001-2016; omentoplasty = 147 [60%]). Propensity for omentoplasty was estimated on 21 pretreatment variables, using augmented inverse probability of treatment weights, and used to determine the adjusted proportion of adverse anastomotic outcomes, major morbidity, and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. Overall, anastomotic leak rate was 15%; leak-associated mortality was 13% (n = 5 out of 37). Leak rates (omentoplasty n = 24 [16%] vs no omentoplasty n = 13 [13%]; P =.512) and incidence of any major complications (48% vs 48%; P =.958) were similar. Leaks requiring surgical intervention occurred in 12 patients (5% vs 5%; P =.904). Propensity weighting achieved excellent balance across all 21 pretreatment variables (before weighting, standardized differences ranged from –0.23 to 0.35; postweighting standardized differences ranged from –0.09 to 0.07). In propensity-weighted data, omentoplasty was not associated with differential adjusted risk of anastomotic leak (13.2% vs 14.3%; P =.83), major morbidity (27.9% vs 32.6%; P =.44), or mortality (6.7% vs 4.8%; P =.61). Within the limits of our sample size and statistical approach, our study failed to find evidence that anastomotic omentoplasty during esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation reduced anastomotic leak rate or need for leak-related reoperation. Omentoplasty reinforcement of the esophagogastric anastomosis after Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation was not associated with differences in anastomotic leak rate, need for surgical intervention for anastomotic leak, risk of leak, major morbidity, or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice for reconstruction after total proctocolectomy in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. 30–60 % of patients undergoing IPAA will experience a postoperative complication. The primary objective of this article is to address the most common complications specific to IPAA in the pediatric population and provide an up-to-date review of their presentation, risk factors, workup, and management. We also share our preferred approaches to management and prevention of complications, where relevant. We intend to provide a concise review on the topic aimed at pediatric surgeons and healthcare providers involved in the care of this population with the goal of contributing to improved outcomes and patient quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anastomotic leak is a feared complication after left-sided colectomy, but its risk can potentially be reduced with the use of a diverting ostomy. However, an ostomy has its own associated negative sequelae; therefore, it is critical to appropriately identify patients to divert. This is difficult in practice since many risk factors for anastomotic leak exist and outside factors bias this decision. We aimed to develop and validate a risk score to predict an individual's risk of anastomotic leak and aid in the decision.Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Colectomy Targeted PUF was queried from 2012 to 2016 for patients undergoing elective left-sided resection for malignancy, benign neoplasm, or diverticular disease. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of anastomotic leak in non-diverted patients, and a risk score was developed and validated.Results: 38,475 patients underwent resection with an overall anastomotic leak rate of 3%. Independent risk factors for anastomotic leak included younger age, male sex, tobacco use, and omission of combined bowel preparation. A risk score incorporating independent predictors demonstrated excellent calibration. There was strong visual correspondence between predicted and observed anastomotic leak rates. 3960 patients underwent resection with diversion, yet over half of these patients had a predicted leak rate of less than 4%.Conclusion: A novel risk score can be used to stratify patients according to anastomotic leak risk after elective left-sided resection. Intraoperative calculation of scores for patients can help guide surgical decision-making in both diverting the highest risk patients and avoiding diversion in low-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perfusion plays an important role in anastomotic healing. Indocyanine-green fluorescence angiogram allows objective bowel perfusion assessment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of perfusion assessment on intraoperative decision during left-sided colorectal resections.Method: This was a prospective, single-centre, observational study recruiting patients with left-sided colorectal resections. Perfusion of bowel segment was assessed with ICG fluorescence angiogram prior to resection and anastomosis intra-operatively. The planned transection site and the actual transection site after perfusion assessment were compared. The decision for diversion stoma was also evaluated.Results: 110 patients with cancer of the sigmoid colon (29.1%) and rectum (70.9%) were recruited. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 51.8% of patients. The transection site was revised in 34.5% of cases: 30.9% more proximally and 3.6% more distally. The median distance between the intended and actual transection sites was 2 cm (range 1-17 cm). A proximal revision in the transection site was more likely seen in rectal cancers (p = 0.036, OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.09-11.78) and relatively under-perfused left colon (p = 0.036, OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02). Three (2.7%) patients were spared from a diversion stoma. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.5%.Conclusion: ICG fluorescence angiogram altered operative decisions in a significant proportion of cases. The impact on transection site was more pronounced in patients with rectal cancers and those with relatively under-perfused colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colostomies are commonly created in conjunction with colorectal surgery performed for both malignant and benign indications. Familiarity with the different types of colostomies and their normal imaging appearance will improve radiologic detection and characterization of colostomy complications. The radiologist plays a large role in assessment of colostomy patients either via fluoroscopic technique or multidetector computed tomography (CT) in order to help identify ostomy complications or to aid the surgeon prior to colostomy reversal. In this article, we will review: (1) the types of colostomies and indications for their creation; (2) the proper radiographic technique of ostomy evaluation; and (3) the potential complications of colostomies and their imaging manifestations. • Types of colostomies include end, loop, double barrel and end colostomy with mucous fistula • Ostomy evaluation is usually performed via fluoroscopy • Earlostomy complications include infection, abscess, leak, ischemia, stomal retraction and obstruction. • Delayed ostomy complications include hernia, prolapse, colitis, stenosis, and peristomal varices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anastomotic leak is a serious complication of colonic surgery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of vascular calcifications of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery in patients undergoing elective right colectomy, and particularly their relationship to the risk of anastomotic leak. We performed a retrospective analysis of preoperative abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scans of patients who underwent right colectomy at the Vendean Departmental Hospital (France) between January 2011 and December 2016. We established a calcification score, which was correlated to the incidence of anastomotic leak and to the patients' American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. The charts of 250 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients had a postoperative anastomotic leak. A stratified analysis revealed that the risk of developing an anastomotic leak was statistically significantly increased in patients whose calcification score was equal to or greater than 3 (P < 0.05). In these patients, the risk was increased by a factor of 3.48 [odds ratio: 3.48 (1.45–8.36)]. A second stratified analysis showed that a calcification score of 2 at the level of the celiac axis takeoff was correlated with a statistically significantly increased risk of anastomotic leak (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between a calcification score ≥ 3 and an ASA score ≥ 3. A calcification score ≥ 3 correlates to an increased risk of anastomotic leak. The analysis of CT findings is simple, easy and reproducible. This calcification score should be confirmed by a prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]